Jazz & Improvisation / Avant-Garde Jazz

Recorded at Kammerspiele (Schauspielhaus Bochum), October 31, 2022, mixed and mastered by Peter Böhm.Frank Gratkowski — clarinets Maria Gstättner — bassoon Martin Siewert — guitars, electronics Sara Kowal — harp Joanna Lewis—violin Laura Strobl—viola Melissa Coleman—cello Peter Herbert — double bass Els Vandeweyer — vibes, percussion Gerry Hemingway — drums, percussion Georg Graewe — piano

Tip! A radiant manifesto of artistic freedom, fLuXkit Vancouver (i̶t̶s suite but sacred) brings together a composition in four movements written and performed by Jones on alto saxophone, long-time collaborator Gerald Cleaver on drums, and four Vancouver-based string musicians: violinists Jesse Zubot and Josh Zubot, cellist Peggy Lee and bassist James Meger; with original artwork by Stan Douglas and liner notes by poet Harmony Holiday. Commissioned by Western Front, an artist-run center for multi…

** Black Vinyl, inside out sleeve, 12"x12" insert with artwork, liner notes & lyrics, black polylined inner sleeve. ** Amirtha Kidambi’s Elder Ones join We Jazz Records for their third LP New Monuments. Amirtha Kidambi has long affirmed that the role of sound in the act of protest is pivotal. In the summer of 2020, the Brooklyn-based vocalist and composer was immersed in mass demonstrations across New York City in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, organizing bands to counter the violent pr…

Recorded in the 1980's and snapped up upon arrival in Europe by the Soho Boho's, Acid Jazzuals, Cuboppers, Jazz Massivists and Mojo Jazzmuziker, "Le-Le" by The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble is a unique one off spiritual soul-jazz outing with avant garde touches and more than a hint of afro-cuban orientalism.The percussion drenched title track has that special worldwide sound and the cool jazz get down groove of "Wet Walnuts and Whipped Cream" is a DJ's delight, whether played over the airwaves or to a …

We Jazz Records presents the debut album of AINON, a Helsinki-based ensemble founded by cellist-composer Aino Juutilainen, released 4 September. On "Drought", the four-piece plays music influenced by jazz, contemporary music and classical music, all morphed together into a highly inspired musical vision. The music of AINON might be best described as "spiritual avantgarde jazz", with original compositions and the individual voices of the four players both playing an integral part in the music. In…

The End is near - after two albums on the now defunct UK label Rare Noise, the powerful project of Sofia Jernberg (vocals), Kjetil Møster (clarinet and tenor saxophone), Mats Gustafsson (flutes, baritone saxophone and electronics), Anders Hana (baritone and bass guitar) and Børge Fjordheim (drums) release their third album on Trost. They combine Avantrock, Jazz and a haunting beautiful voice to a seethe mix of emotions, noise, music - a sonic landscape, dynamic and captivating. This album is a t…

Jim O'Rourke (of Gastr del Sol and Sonic Youth fame) plays a lot with Japanese Free jazz legend Akira Sakata in various formations. Together with Italian composer and pianist Giovanni di Domenico and the drummer Tatsuhisa Yamamoto they form this powerful band. Their second release combines contemporary Avantgarde and Free Jazz in a beautiful way.Line-up:Akira Sakata - sax, clarinet, voiceJim O’Rourke - double bassGiovanni di Domenico – piano, hohner pianetTatsuhisa Yamamoto - drumsRecorded Jim O…

List of Demands, Damon Locks’s first foray into creating an entire album from spoken and text-based work, finds the Chicago-based musician and educator collecting cultural abstractions and reorganizing them into a firm truth. The album lays out a vision of Black liberation and transmits it outward as a song cycle of bite-sized Nikki Giovanni-meets-MF DOOM-style rhythm experiments. The sample-based constructions are steeped in a lifetime of not only keen cultural observation, but direct communal …

* 300 copies only * Recorded live at 'Mu' Kingsland high road, Dalston. Personel: Idris Rahman - Tenor SaxophoneLeon Brichard - BassGene Calderazo - DrumsGuest: Robin Hopcraft: Trumpet

VERY last copies  Pharoah Sanders recorded the songs that comprise Thembi in the winter of ’70/’71, in between  sessions with Alice Coltrane that would eventually become her masterpiece Journey In Satchidananda LP. The same compelling spirituality that embued Coltrane’s masterpiece with a mood of stately calm and grace pervades Thembi. ‘On Thembi, that was the first time that I ever touched a Fender Rhodes electric piano. We got to the studio in California — Cecil McBee had to unpack his bass, t…

Every working band has magical nights – nights when everything fits together and the music takes off into the stratosphere. The Masada Live series documents these unforgettable concerts recorded in venues around the world, bringing these rare special moments to you in beautiful 2 CD packages. This first set presents Masada’s historic visit to Israel, their first appearance at the world famous Jerusalem Festival. A very special moment in the life of one of the most exciting jazz groups working to…

Volume Two documenting Barbara Hannigan’s collaboration with Downtown alchemist John Zorn presents four dramatic pieces for voice and ensemble—three composed expressly for Hannigan! Liber Loagaeth, a meditative composition for voice and string quartet that lies somewhere between a spell and a prayer—Star Catcher, a powerful tour-de-force for voice, piano, and rhythm section—Ab Eo, Quod, scored for voice, cello, vibes, electronics, and drums—and a Zorn classic, Pandora’s Box, his dramatic take on…

A remarkable meeting of two musical forces of nature finally available on recording!

Ovules is a series of improvisations performed by ZAÄAR in various spaces over the kingdom of Belgium. Ovules is a triptych inspired by Tchouang-Tseu's fable “The Dream of the Butterfly” (莊周夢蝶) about dream and reality reciprocity. Ovules is a surrealist jazz manifestation due to a collaboration between labels WV Sorcerer Productions and Subsound Records and the preacher of the band's first proper studio album. ZAÄAR is a Belgian collective, twin project of Neptunian Maximalism, the cosmic free-j…

To begin with, there was only me, and John Stevens. Not in person, of course - this was 2021, many years after he died. But I had this plugin that I liked, designed to spice up drum loops, and I wondered what would happen if I put free jazz drumming into it. I sourced a solo recording of Mr Stevens, and was very taken with the results. I put some layers on top, and contacted Richard Harding to add some Chapman Stick. A couple more layers, and I had a track I was very taken with. So taken, in fac…

"Would the following advice alone be sufficient? Look at the cover of this album, then close your eyes and listen to the wonderful performances of these two musicians. Because in the end, all art speaks for itself." – Rudolf Amstutz

By far one of the most outrageous performers of the early years of rock, prone to emerging from coffins on stage, with a flaming skull named Henry as his constant companion, Screamin' Jay was an insanely theatrical figure long before it was even remotely acceptable. His 1958 debut, At Home, featuring his legendary "I Put A Spell On You," along with surreal hits like "Hong Kong," "Take Me Back To The Boot And Saddle," or his wild-ass reinventions of old standards like "I Love Paris" and "Deep Pur…

Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, Ches Smith. "Ou Phrontis" means 'who cares' in Greek. Inscribed on the lintel above the door of Thomas Edward Lawrence's cottage on Clouds Hill, it symbolized a place where Lawrence felt at home, free from the cares of the world. This fourth CD by the dynamic piano trio of Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder and Ches Smith ("Suite for Piano," "The Fourth Way," "Ballades") features eight challenging Zorn compositions inspired by Stoic philosophy and science. The telepathic …

Huge Tip! Pianist, Composer, Multi-Instrumentalist Eva Novoa Releases First Album from Her Newly Forged Trio with Sax Legend Daniel Carter and Beloved Drummer Francisco Mela. It’s not a rumor.  Brooklyn’s Eva Novoa has formed a new trio!  Novoa / Carter / Mela Trio, Vol. 1 marks their first sparkling album together (which is also Eva’s third with 577 Records).  The group performed live for the first time in Cambridge (Boston) in 2022 and at the NY Forward Festival in August 2024.  In an invigora…

Few copies available. Exclusive translucent red vinyl. Limited to 500 numbered copies. Includes In Concert At Yale University and Nommo with reproduction of hand-painted sleeve and historical inserts. The late percussionist Milford Graves was one of the most unique artists the world has ever seen. Born in Jamaica, Queens in 1941, he began his career in the early '60s as a part of New York's vibrant Latin jazz scene. His focus quickly turned inward, shifting towards a practice that explored the v…

Free improvisation by Marilyn Crispell (piano), Harrison Smith (saxophones, bass clarinet) and Eddie Prévost (drums), recorded live at Café Oto, London, on 7 November 2012, the last date of a short tour.

Concert by Alexander von Schlippenbach (piano) and Eddie Prévost (drums) at Blackheath Halls, London, on 30 March 2008: a piano solo, a drum solo and a duet.

A never-before released Nathan Davis 1966/67 live recordings. Official release with the full permission and cooperation of the Nathan Davis Estate & INA (Institut National de l’Audiovisuel). "Style is not a given. Not many musicians reach the level of artistic personality where you can unmistakably recognize them. It takes character, roots, honesty, soulfulness. Nathan Davis had style. His tone on tenor was unique. So was his soprano sound and his distinctive approach to flute. His musical world…

2024 stock. The legendary multi-percussionist and spiritual jazz master Kahil El’Zabar continues his quest of spirit through groove in his collaboration with tenor sax colossus, David Murray. ‘Spirit Groove’ is the divining moment upon their incredible journey to meaningful art. This is a phenomenal album, adding an entirely new, elevated dimension to the Spirit of Groove! In Kahil El'Zabar's own words ‘Spirit Groove’ "intends to move you nakedly with a deep sense of dance on a Mind/Body/Spirit …

Celebrating 50 Years of The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble’s Legacy and Unwavering Contribution to Great Black Music. This is the new offering from Kahil El’Zabar and his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, in conjunction with the legendary group’s 50th anniversary, Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit. Open Me is a joyous honoring of portent new directions of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble; it’s a visionary journey into deep roots and future routes, channeling traditions old and new. It mixes El’Z…

Universe in Blue is a rarity. After-hours music, showcasing Sun Ra's twisted take on the Blues, these live recordings from 1972 provide an intriguing glimpse of the Arkestra’s repertoire and virtuosity at the close of their first decade playing in New York, and brought him to the greater attention of the New York press and helped cement his reputation for audacious showmanship. Ra and his band performed at the famed East Village Slug's almost every Monday night for several years through the late…

*2024 stock* Daniel Carter, William Parker, and Federico Ughi have been playing together since 2005, the year in which they recorded their first album The Dream. The band has performed regularly in the US and Europe ever since, gaining considerable success, with a 2010 European tour throughout Portugal, Spain, and Italy that resulted in the live album Navajo Sunrise (2012). In 2015 the trio started to rehearse with multi-instrumentalist Watson Jennison (Toronto, CA). As a quartet, the band toure…

"The meaning of "cadenza del crepuscolo" ("dusk cadenza") can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The most profound is the one corresponding with the implicitly slow flux of thoughts and reflections that emerge as we sense the day fading away, possibly in a moment of somewhat regretful oscillation between an unknown tomorrow, what we have already experienced and now miss, and the unexpressed potential of what we long for, but have not yet achieved (and perhaps never will). The sympathetic music…

*2024 stock. 300 copies limited edition*  the music on Lines and Dots is subtle yet tough, sinewy and risky in all the right ways. Splitting the difference between free jazz and post bop, Ahlén and his crew manage to sound distinctive...these fellows play like cagey, seasoned veterans; necessarily because of the way Ahlén's music balances composition and free improvisation...Filled with fresh, fascinating sounds, Lines and Dots is an impressive debut!”4.5 stars out of 5 /Dave Wayne, Allaboutjazz…

*2024 stock. 300 copies limited edition* "Startling, fresh, and risky, the music of Brända Broar is yet another pleasant reminder that jazz is youthful, alive and well, all over the world." - Dave Wayne

2024 stock. 300 copies limited edition With roots in the '60s free jazz and contemporary improvised music, the initiative is a non-hierarchical and norm-critical collective. The music is characterised by the joy of playing and the free improvisations, placed in long-composed suite forms. Hard swing, wild improvisations and lyrical melodies melt together in unexpected combinations and give each other new colours and spiritual depth.  "The Initiative brilliant music do nod to past masters, especia…

Skylla is the debut solo recording of Italian-born and London-based composer, bassist, and vocalist Ruth Goller. This album of otherworldly detuned bass harmonics and dense vocal arrangements was initially released in 2021 by longtime collaborator Bex Burch’s Vula Viel Records, and quickly went out of print. Since then Goller’s notoriety has only grown, and her follow-up record, Skyllumina, was released by International Anthem in early 2024 and met with high praise. Skylla is the genesis of her …

Temporary Super Offer! As one of the three inaugural 1976 releases to ignite the mythical Mustevic Music catalogue, David Wertman's elusive Kara Suite LP was the first record to turn jazz drummer Steve Reid's vanity imprint into an bona fide cooperative record label with a multi-artist repertoire. Entrusting his own bass player with the limelight, Reid's unlikely A&R decision would typify his oblique strategies and challenge the common perception of a soloist within jazz's shifting landscape. Dr…

Biggest Tip! Limited Edition LP. Deluxe 180-Gram Reissue. Special Gatefold Edition Including Original Artwork. Again, we have the reissue of a true holy grail in our hands (yeah, we know holy grail gets thrown around a lot these days, but, if ever there was one, this is it) - Pharoah Sanders's absolutely astounding “Love In Us All”. Raw and emotive, soulful and thoughtful to points of profound depth, and entirely liberated and free, as well as one of the hardest, rarest Pharoah Sanders albums to…

Hot on the heels of Old Friends, New Friends comes Old And New Dreams, an operation meant as a new flagship for Ornette Coleman, whose lack of enthusiasm for the project left a gap duly filled by Dewey Redman. The result is this delightful excursion into post-bop outlands that sounds as alive as ever. Two Coleman pieces comprise nearly half of its duration—which is saying much, for like many of ECM’s joints of the 70s, this one breezes by in under 50 minutes. The first Coleman piece, “Lonely Wom…

Sounding as fresh today as it did in 1973, Seven Songs places the Gary Burton Quartet in an orchestral context, with compositions of Michael Gibbs – inspired by Messiaen and Charles Ives as well as Miles and Gil Evans – and exceptional soloing by Mick Goodrick, Steve Swallow and Burton himself. The production is exemplary: Seven Songs set a new standard for recordings of orchestral jazz. While there is still a handful of ECM titles from vibraphonist Gary Burton that remain unreleased on CD, perh…

The Great Sun Ra’s Magic Lives On in Debut Album from Old Friends Michael Sarian, Matthew Putman, Federico Ughi, and Newcomer Ledian Mola

"Sofa is delighted to announce the Italian musician and composer Andrea Giordano (b. 1995)’s Àlea, a suite for large mixed ensemble in which Giordano also performs as vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. Dedicated to Giordano’s friend and mentor, the Italian jazz musician and pedagogue Alessandra Giachero, who died unexpectedly in 2020, Àlea is at once a lament and testament to Giordano’s multifarious musicianship. In dense, rending orchestration, the artist shows us the multidimensionality of gr…

The Last Temple vol. 1 - vinyl 9" EP (Yes! 9 inch! lathe cut, cut in real time by Uncle Gusstaff in Witold Gombrowicz Studio in Zielona Góra, Poland). The Last Temple is a live recording of this extraordinary trio at the Alchemia in Krakow on 16.03.2024.The Trzaska, Haker Flaten, Nilsen Love trio played a concert tour in Poland in March 2024. A combination of one of the most famous sections of the world's intuitive jazz (e.g. The Thing) and one of the most famous representatives of the domestic …

Tip!  *300 copies limited edition* ‘L’album vert’ is a compilation of asynchronous steps for an imaginary dance foor. A strange but amusing place were eyes listen in and ears peek around. Glass breaks, someone stumbles, something always happens. The dancers inevitably hop to moments of tension of which they free themselves again and again. Almost always there is some kind of beat. Not the kind of beat that makes the hips wiggle, but rather the pulse of a crooked factory or a quirky steam engine …